E30 Zone

I've got a 318is which is leaking coolant into the passenger footwell i have been told it is most likley to be the heater matrix. I've got all the carpet out of the car now and can see the matrix but can't really see a leak, there is a bit of green around one of the joining pipes to the matrix but no sign of fluid coming out. If it is the matrix is it a big job ie has the dash got to come out to change it and what comes on the new part.

i think mines on its way out too; but have no idea on how to change it!

one of the experinced zoners will know; i doubt its dash out jobbie; just the front heater panel comes out i think!

If it's on the passengers side it's just as likely to be the heater valve which is much easier to replace. If you've got the centre console out, have a look at the inside of the bit that goes down under the glove box side. That could give you a clue as to where the leaks coming from. Also start the car and get the heater hot. Watch the valve and it's joints and operate the heater from hot to cold and see if you can see any drips forming at the joints or from the valve it's self. If it's all dry then yes it's the matrix. However the clue is in where you say

"there is a bit of green around one of the joining pipes to the matrix"

Almost certainly the electric valve. Leaking E30 heater matrices are largely a myth; I've never seen one.
The cause of the leaking valve is quite likely to be a coolant pressure cap STILL not replaced, eleven years after they were recalled.

the electric valve; where is this located Brian? Expensive part?

siddiqi1 wrote:i think mines on its way out too; but have no idea on how to change it!

one of the experinced zoners will know; i doubt its dash out jobbie; just the front heater panel comes out i think!

Iv'e recently removed a complete assembly and,even with the dash removed,it's quite a fiddly job to get the bugger out

I can't see how you could remove the assembly without removing the dash TBH

The complete assembly is quite large and i don't see any way of getting it out from behind the dash with it still in situ.

Maybe others can advise differently

HTH

siddiqi1 wrote:the electric valve; where is this located Brian? Expensive part?

It looks like it's accesable from the pasenger side footwell, once the centre console has been removed.
I'd post up a pic but imageshack is playing up at the mo

Electric valve is on the LH side of the heater box. Part of it is the black stub pipe that goes through into the engine compartment for the heater hose to connect to.
I think they are quite expensive new, but I've never bought one. I have a strict policy of using second hand parts, where second hand parts are likely to be every bit as good as new bits.

There are 2 types IIRC. Aluminium pipes and plastic. They are both available from ECP and are OEM parts. I bought mine and it was IDENTICAL to the original. Ones about 60 quid but the others over a 100 quid . Dearer obviously from the dealers.

anyone got a heater valve for sale? Are they all the same from car to car?

This is the plastic version



Complete assembly is for sale

that looks like the same as the one on mine, you say its for sale for £40 how much for the postage to lichfield in the midlands?

ajbeamerboy wrote:that looks like the same as the one on mine, you say its for sale for £40 how much for the postage to lichfield in the midlands?

Pm on it's way

thanks BADDAVE for posting up the pics; helps visulize the prblem a lot easier!

what part inthat pic needs replacing then, is it that white box?

Part 7 on here
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=64&fg=15
Unless Brian says different

Yes it's the white box with the black pipe bit underneath. Comes all as one.

Since we have a nice clear picture up on the thread; the matrix is the large rectangular white part behind the valve. Just slides out when the obvious bits are removed, although a few bits of brake bracket get in the way in the car.
The brown object with the wires, behind and to the left of the valve is the resistor pack for the fan.

i can see why its so difficult to get at all this stuff with it in situ; youd have to have small hands and minture tools! thanks baddave for all the help!

not loking forward to all the swearing, cups of tea and endless screaming

siddiqi1 wrote:i can see why its so difficult to get at all this stuff with it in situ; youd have to have small hands and minture tools! thanks baddave for all the help!

not loking forward to all the swearing, cups of tea and endless screaming

Not a problem

All I did was take a photo of an assembly I have ready to package up/ship to anyone who needs it

After having a look at my car today and the picture that is up i believe that it is the matrix that has gone. i got the car up to temp and had a good look at it and there seems to be a small crack in that rectangular part behind the pipes shown in the picture. Is there a gasket which goes on the matrix when you fit a new one?

Only seal/gasket I can see, is part number 8 on here
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=64&fg=15

Doesn't look like there's any other seals or gaskets